Not sure if this has been asked before, but I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $708,400 on average. Should I be concerned?
9 upvotes
9 Replies
Violet Robinson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Willow C.
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Bella Patel
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Everett Kim
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Mia Cox
couldn't agree more
20 upvotes
Evan Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 55, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in The Heights and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
20 upvotes
Jesse L.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Claire
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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